Rowers (M = 12; F = 7) were divided into two groups: inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and a control. Both groups performed normal rowing training while the IMT group performed additional IMT five times a week for six weeks.

Inspiratory muscle strength improved in the IMT group by ~28%. However, there was no change in VO2max, dyspnea sensation during exercise, or rowing ergometer performance.

Implication. Inspiratory muscle training improves inspiratory muscle function but those improvements do not transfer to VO2max or rowing ergometer performance.